Are loader quick attach plates pinned on?

[Zoombah]

I have a Bush Hog M446 loader with universal skid steer attach plates. The universal skid steer attach plates are attached to the loader with four large pins. If the attach plate is removed from the loader then can I attach pin-on implements to the loader? Or to put it another way are the universal skid steer attach plates bascially a pinned-on implement themselves. Here's why I ask.

A skid steer bale spear is about $450. I don't need one enough to justify spending that kind of money. The local used tractor dealer has maybe a dozen used pin-on style bale spears sitting in the weeds. Could I pin one of these onto my loader if the unversal skid steer attach plates are removed?

 

[MrJimi]

How about you get a HF 3PT hitch " $69.00" and weld it to a backing plate?
And then ya could use any 3 PT attachment on yours.
Jim

 

[Zoombah]

The idea of hooking 3pt implements to the FEL is certainly appealing. In my case I cannot justify spending almost $200 to be able to hook a 3pt implement to my FEL. Plus, the HF hitch is Cat 1; my 3pt bale spear is Cat 2. So I'd have to go buy a Cat 1 bale spear.

My need to move round bales is occasional at most. It's not that I need a FEL mounted bale spear as much I just want one. I was hoping a cheap, used pin-on would work to satisfy my craving.

I am intrigued with your idea though. What other 3pt implements would make sense to attach to a FEL? Now you got me wanting to go shopping at HF.

 

[MrJimi]

Well its anything not needing a PTO and I am building one with a hydraulic PTO now. I will mount a brush cutter on front of mine and tear some brush, I hope. take a look at Skid Steer Attachments - Bobcat Skidsteer Loader Equipment & Accessories - John Deere Case Mustang Gehl lots of good ideas there

Jim

 

[MarkV]

Have you considered a set of forks for your loader? If you are only moving bales on occasion it can be done with the forks and they are so handy to have for many other things.

MarkV

 

[rback33]

Zoombah,
Since no one else seems to want to answer the real question, the answer is yes. If he has one on the right centerline, and pick up arrangement, it will work just fine and even give you a little more capacity. If you are just making one due, be careful and check you dump and rollback stops and things. You can destroy your tilt cylinders pretty quick if things are not done properly... if you do that then you may as well have bought the Skid Steer one...

 

[Zoombah]

Thanks rback33. So yes but check where the stops are. Don't want to overretract or overextend. Does that pretty well sum it up?

 

[rback33]

Thanks rback33. So yes but check where the stops are. Don't want to overretract or overextend. Does that pretty well sum it up?

Pretty much nailed it I think.